President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's presidential election, securing another term in office. The electoral commission reported she won 98% of the 32 million votes cast in Wednesday's election. Her victory follows days of unrest across the country, which included protests, a nationwide internet shutdown, and reports of hundreds of deaths. International observers expressed concern over transparency.

Election Results

Presidential Outcome

On Saturday morning, electoral chief Jacobs Mwambegele announced Samia Suluhu Hassan of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party as the winner of the presidential election. The electoral commission reported that President Hassan secured 98% of the votes from approximately 32 million ballots cast.

Zanzibar Election

In Tanzania's semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, which elects its own government and leader, incumbent Hussein Mwinyi of the CCM party won with approximately 80% of the vote. The opposition in Zanzibar alleged "massive fraud."

Post-Election Environment

Protests and Incidents

Protests continued on Friday in the port city of Dar es Salaam and other urban areas. Demonstrators removed President Hassan's posters and engaged with police and polling stations, despite warnings from the army chief. Demonstrations are primarily led by young protesters who have stated the election is unfair.

Casualties and Government Response

A spokesperson for the opposition Chadema party reported approximately 700 deaths in clashes with security forces. A diplomatic source in Tanzania informed the BBC of at least 500 deaths. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the violence as "a few isolated pockets of incidents" and stated that "security forces acted very swiftly and decisively to address the situation."

Internet and Curfew

A nationwide internet shutdown is in effect, which has been noted as hindering verification of death tolls. Authorities have extended a curfew in an effort to quell the unrest.

Opposition and Pre-Election Context

Opposition Status

Protesters have alleged government suppression of main opposition leaders. One opposition contender, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges which he denies, and another, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was excluded on legal technicalities. Sixteen other parties, described as fringe parties, were permitted to participate in the election.

Ruling Party Dominance

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has maintained political dominance in Tanzania, winning all elections since the country's independence.

Human Rights Concerns

Prior to the election, rights groups, including Amnesty International, reported government repression, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government rejected these claims and stated the election would be free and fair.

President's Background

Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania's first female president in 2021, following the death of then-President John Magufuli.